Device and method for bilirubin photoisomerization to reduce laboratory test interference

Abstract

Provided are a device and method for using bilirubin photoisomerization to reduce bilirubin interference with laboratory blood tests for other chemical analytes.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method of reducing the bilirubin content of mammalian fluid comprising: (i) converting all or a portion of a bilirubin component of a fluid sample taken from a mammal into isomer molecules by (ii) placing said sample in a translucent container, placing said translucent container into an extracorporeal photoisomerization apparatus comprising a chamber consisting of a bottom panel and at least four side panels having reflective interior surfaces, wherein one or more of the bottom panel and/or side panels comprises one or more holes, an LED blue light centered within each such hole and facing towards the interior of the chamber, one or more stands configured within the chamber to hold containers of fluid for irradiation, a means for turning the LED blue light(s) on or off, and a means for delivering electricity to the one or more blue lights, (iii) activating the blue light(s) for a period of 1 to 60 minutes per milliliter of fluid, and (iv) transferring the fluid sample with its reduced bilirubin component to one or more fluid chemistry screening devices to test for one or more chemical analytes normally obscured by bilirubin. 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the blue lights irradiate at a wavelength between 450 to 530 nm. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein further comprising wherein the blue lights irradiate at a wavelength between 450 to 530 nm. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein further comprising wherein the blue lights irradiate at a light intensity level of at least 6 microWatts μW/cm2/nm of light wavelength. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid screening device(s) tests for one or more of the analytes from the group comprising: creatinine, cholesterol and triglycerides.